Klein picks up key union endorsement

Posted
Sunday, July 15, 2018 12:05 am

By MICHAEL HINMAN

New York’s largest union has thrown its support behind Sen. Jeffrey Klein, choosing sides in a primary where the incumbent is getting a stronger-than-expected challenge from political newcomer Alessandra Biaggi.

The endorsement is not just a financial one, according to a release, it’s one that includes volunteers from its membership, door-to-door canvassing, phone banking, social media, direct mail, and even text messaging.

“Jeff Klein has stood with 1199SEIU nurses and health care workers for over a decade, fighting for our rights and better health care policies and services for all New Yorkers,” said Gabby Sea, 1199SEIU political director, in a release. “At a time when New York State is under attack from Washington, D.C., Sen. Klein has put the state Democratic Party, New York workers and their families, and our union values above all else, and we are committed to applying our full strength and resources to backing his campaign and ensuring he remains the representative for the 34th Senate District.”

The endorsement comes on the heels of attorney general candidate Zephyr Teachout called out Klein’s former group, the Independent Democratic Conference, for reportedly accepting money from what she called a “slush fund.”